Universal Cabana Bay Beach ResortvsWalt Disney World Dolphin
Both properties are praised by reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort is the choice of most writers compared to Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort has a TripExpert Score of 87 with recommendations from 11 reviewers including Travel + Leisure, Fodor's and Zagat.
Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Star Service
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Oyster
Gayot
The Telegraph
Condé Nast Traveler Travel + Leisure
Frommer's
Lonely Planet Show All Reviews
6550 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819
From $108/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Star Service "You can hear screaming girls and boys from the comfort of your inner tube while floating down the hotel's lazy river." Full review
i
Request a room in the Continental or Americana wings as these have air-conditioned interior hallways that connect to the lobby and common areas,—a welcome advantage in the heat of the summer.
Fodor's "Besides offering a moderate price for an on-property hotel, a stay at this resort offers a 10-lane bowling alley, early park admission... and poolside activities." Full review
Travel + Leisure "On the same property as the standard rooms, Cabana Bay also offers 900 spacious family suites, which sleep up to six and include a kitchenette and a large bathroom." Full review
i
No matter which type of room you choose, enjoy two zero-entry swimming pools, a waterslide, a fitness center and even a 10-lane bowling alley.
OysterUpper-middle-range
"An amusement park in itself, this enormous, 1800-room upper-middle-range property is inside of Universal Orlando and within easy walking distance of Universal’s Islands of Adventure." Full review
Gayot "Universalâs new Cabana Bay Beach Resort feels like stepping back in time, yet without sacrificing any of the amenities and conveniences modern travelers have come to expect."
The Telegraph8.0
"A superb – if massive – budget-conscious resort with immense family appeal, right on the doorstep of the Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Universal’s newest hotel harks back to the 1950s with its colorful, mid-century modern design." Full review
Travel + Leisure "A very family-friendly property with its own bowling alley, lazy river and character meet-and-greets." Full review
Frommer's "You’ll find 600 family suites with kitchen areas (microwave, no stove) that sleep six somewhat tightly, two on a sofa bed. The music never stops in the two ginormous pool areas" Full review
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"Cabana Bay Beach Resort has a beautifully themed, hip, retro-Florida vintage vibe. It offers moderate and value-priced accommodation." Full review
Walt Disney World Dolphin Fodor's
DK Eyewitness
Rough Guide
Zagat Frommer's Travel + Leisure
Afar Magazine Gayot The Telegraph Lonely Planet Show All Reviews
1500 Epcot Resort Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32830
From $147/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Fodor's "A pair of 56-foot-tall sea creatures bookend this 25-story glass pyramid, a luxe resort designed, like the adjoining Swan, by world-renowned architect Michael Graves." Full review
DK Eyewitness "Home to Tod English’s BlueZoo restaurant, a must no matter where you stay, this whimsical resort is best known for the tremendous dolphins that sit atop its exterior."
Rough Guide "Sister hotel to the Dolphin... from which it’s separated by an artificial lake and beach, and likewise whimsically decorated... equipped with every conceivable luxury."
Zagat3.7
"Centered on an "enormous, pyramidlike" main building, this "stylish" Michael Graves--designed resort is "within walking distance of Epcot"."
Frommer's "The ceilings are a little bit low, the staff a little bit distracted, but the location never quits." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The hotel has the advantages of a Disney property (i.e., early entry to a different park each day) but more flexible pricing." Full review
Afar Magazine "Revitalize and refresh just steps from Disney World at our magical retreat, featuring golf, five pools, spa, and a white-sand beach." Full review
Gayot "This Michael Graves-designed resort shares many motifs and amenities with its next-door neighbor and sister hotel, the Dolphin."
The Telegraph8.0
"An extensive twin resort and convention hotel right in the heart of Walt Disney World, hence in an ideal location for those wanting the full theme park experience, but at a more moderate price." Full review
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"These two Michael Graves–designed, high-rise luxury hotels, which face each other on Disney property and share facilities, offer a distinctly toned-down Disney feel but all the Disney perks." Full review
